Vegetable Pulao using RightRice

Vegetable Pulao using RightRice by DK on Oct 28, 2020

Low Carb Vegetable Pilaf Recipe | RightRice Vegetable Medley Recipe

There was a time when I seemed to be on a perpetual diet. I have tried multiple fads and every one of them have worked. For few weeks! Then I have to start it all over again. After a point, with years and experience comes the epiphany that its got to be lifestyle and such "diets" were pretty transient in nature. A lifetime of habit(s) is hard to break and hence the last decade has witnessed a gradual shift where I pick up different pieces of my routine to define my lifestyle. Its been a zig-zag-up-down journey and continues to be one. But I am sticking to this one cos irrespective of superficial changes, I am more content and happy with myself than ever before. There is this confidence that comes from doing the right thing and I am indifferent to judgements 'cos at the end of the day we all have our own journey and destinations.

This self quest led to exploration of various options around me and I am always game to trying foods in various forms. You must be aware of the crazy fad of Cauliflower Rice? Irrespective of whether you are on a diet or not, its an excellent option to adopt regularly. I can never say no to extra veggies and interestingly it works great as a rice replacement in many recipes. White rice is not something I would advocate regularly for the sole reason that there is not significant nutrition that it has to offer. Coming from southern parts of India, we consume rice like its going out of fashion. Instead of going cold turkey, I usually replace rice for few meals per week with other alternatives.

Disclaimer: I am NOT affiliated with RightRice and I was not paid/requested to talk for them. This is completely my own find and experience with this product and whatever I write here is based on my family's feedback.

This post is one such alternative. Few months ago I came across this new "rice" that's made using lentils, peas and a small amount of rice. On its own, it tasted bland, slightly salty and more like chickpea flour to us. It has grainy texture and feels slightly heavier than rice and is far quicker to cook. I started using it as an accompaniment to spicy stews and in pilafs to favorable results. This pulao is one such dish we enjoy using this "rice". There are multiple flavors available but I am yet to try others except the "Original" version. While its not carb free, its definitely lesser carbs than white rice along with providing enhanced protein and fibre thanks to the lentils. Here's a simple recipe.

Cook time: Under 15 min
Prep time: Under 15 min
Serves: 3-4 people

Ingredients

1 tbsp Olive oil, or as needed
1 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Ginger-Garlic paste, see Tips
1 cup chopped Onion (1/2 large onion)
1 cup frozen Veggies, see Tips
1 cup cubed Paneer, see Tips
1 tsp Garam Masala,
1/4 tsp Turmeric
1 package (1-1/3 cup) RightRice Original
1-1/2 cups water/broth, see Tips
Very little salt - to taste see Tips
Few sprigs of Cilantro, to garnish
Few Curry leaves (optional)

Tips

1. Ginger Garlic Paste: If you do not have the paste ready, you can simply mince some garlic and ginger. You can use either one of them or in amounts to suit your preference.

2. Frozen Veggies: You can use any vegetables of your choice. If using fresh, simply cook them a little bit longer until almost done before adding water.

3. Paneer: For a vegan version, use Tofu. You can also use any other protein of your choice. Some hardboiled eggs also work that you can add in towards the end.

4. Water/Broth: The package insists on using 1 cup water for every 1 cup of RightRice. Based on our preference, I use 1-1/2. You can use 1-1/3 cup of liquid.

5. Salt: We felt that the RightRice was already little salty when bland, hence I tend to add very little salt - just enough to season the vegetables and it works perfectly that way for us. I would suggest going low on salt when trying for the first time and then adjusting accordingly.

Method

1. In a skillet, heat some oil. Once hot, add the cumin and when it splutters add the onion and ginger garlic paste.

2. When the onion gets soft, add in the vegetables, paneer and seasoning. You can use any seasoning of your choice. I find it works great with variety of seasoning. Take care about the salt. Read my tip 5

Tips: If you have fresh paneer, add them towards the end. I use store bought paneer right out of fridge and it gets perfectly soft when the whole dish is done.

3. When the veggies are 90% done/soft, add in the "rice". Though its not needed, I toast it a little bit for couple of minutes.

4. Next goes the broth/water. Use 1-1/3 cup to 1-1/2 cup. Check my tip 4

5. Bring it to a quick simmer. Switch off the flame and close it with a lid. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.

6. Fluff the "rice" with a fork. Garnish with herbs and serve warm with accompaniment of your choice.

It's filling and hearty. My family is pretty finicky and do not take well to letting anything/everything stand in for rice. But this RightRice got a green signal from everyone. It is a decent alternative to rice and we have been enjoying many recipes without missing rice.